Game apparatus.



T. C. LACKLAND.

GAME APPARATUS.

APPLICA'HON FILED Aue.s1. 1915.

Patented Mar. 28, 1916.

MN/knew (Lo 1S thrown in the air.

THOMAS c. LACKLAND, or NORFOLK, VIRGINIA.

GAME APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent Patented Mar. 28, 1916.

npplicatiqn 'file i August81, 1915. Serial NoASflQO;

To all whom it may concern .7

Be it known that I, THoMAs C. LACKLAND, a citizen of the United States, residing at Norfolk, in the countyof Norfolk and State of Virginia, have invented new and useful Improvements in Game Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a game appara tus and it consists in the novel features hereinafter described and claimed.

An object of the invention is to provide a simple apparatusv adaptedto be used either for playing gameof contest, or for healthful exercise.

VViththis object in View, the apparatus comprises a band of metal or other suitable material, having a pad of leather or other material applied to one edge. A stretched open-work material is applied to the other edge, and a handleis connected with the last mentioned edge of the band at several points, and the handle grip is positioned approximately in. alinement with the center of the band.

In operation the handle grip of the apparatus is grasped in the hand, and a ball IVhen the ball descends it is permitted to enter the band and strike the stretched material, whereby it is caused to rebound, and if the operator is using a device in each hand, the ball may be caused to pass from the apparatus in one to the apparatus in the other. In the event that the apparatus is used as a game between contesting sides, the players of one side stand in one pcsition,and the players on the other side at another from the first mentioned position, and the ball is bounced back and forth between the contesting players until one of the players makes a miss, or permits the ball to fall to the ground, when a demerit is given the said player, or a score is awarded tothe other side. In either use of the device, it serves as means for affording healthful exercise to the user or players.

In the accompanying drawing: Figure 1 is a perspective View other figures are detailed views of the features thereof.

The game apparatus comprises a circular band 1, which maybe of metal, wood or any other suitable material, and a cushioning pad 2 of leather or other suitable material is applied to one edge of the said band.

wires position spaced of. the apparatus. The

open-work material 3 is stretched across the other edge of the said band and is secured at the edge of the band in any suitable manner. The said material it may be cord, and in fact the material might be sheepskin, or the material usually employedfor drum heads. The material 3 is stretched sufliciently tight to cause the ball to rebound promptly when the same falls upon the said material. A series of a is connected at one end with the band 1-, and at their other ends the said wires are brought together, and are attached to a handle grip 5, which is positioned in alinement with the center of the band 1.

When the device is used a ball 6 is used with the same. I11 operation the handle grip 5 is grasped in the hand, and the ball 6 is cast into the air. As the ball descends, the player or operator permits the ball to enter the band 1 and strike the material 3. Inasmuch as the said material is stretched, the ball will rebound from the same, but the direction in which it will rebound from the said material depends entirely upon the angle at which the material is disposed when the ball strikes the same. Consequently, the player or operator must exercise considerable judgment in holding the device to permit the ball to strike the material 3' in order that the ball may rebound in a desired direction. IVhen the device is used for amusement, or for physical exercise, one may be held in each'hand and the ball may be caused to rebound from the material of one device and fall upon the material 3 of the other, and vice versa. it is desired to use the device in a game of contest, the contestants stand at positions spaced from each other and the ball is caused torebound back and forth between the contestants. The contestant who permits the ball to fall to the ground is given a demerit, or the other contestant is awarded a score.

In any use to which the device may be put, as hereinbefore indicated, it afi'ords amusement, requires the exercise of skill and also imparts physical exercise to the body.

Having described the invention what is claimed is:

A game apparatus adapted to be used in 110 l may be woven gut, similar to that used upon tennis rackets, or

combination with a ball comprising a band, having its axis positioned centrally with rematerial stretched across the band in the lation to the band.

Vicinity of one edge thereof, wires connected In testimony whereof I a'lfix my signature with the edge portion of the band at spaced in presence of two witnesses.

points and converging toward each other THOMAS C. LACKLAND.

and joined together at one end and spaced Witnesses: from the said material and a handle grip HARRY W. CHAPMAN, attached to the joined ends of the wires and C. M. EAsEN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. 

